Maidstone Medway Magazine

mmm Maidstone, Medway Magazine 10

mmm Maidstone, Medway Magazine

Issue 10, November 2012 Complimentary

HISTORY

The wartime ship that may halt a controversial development

FOOD

Heat things up in the kitchen with our delicious recipes

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

Celebrity chef Richard Phillips is keeping is cool at the top

November 2012

n Property n Fashion n Travel n Entertainment n And much, much more

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Welcome Isn’t getting cold and dark these days? It doesn’t seem five minutes since the spring, when everything including this magazine - was first coming to life and full of excitement ready for the summer.

As the year draws to a close we can look back and think that while it may not have been the sunniest of years it’s certainly been a positive one, and one we’ve very much enjoyed.

However just because the days are getting shorter and the temperatures lower, does not mean we should start feeling gloomy and down.

Now’s the time we should be embracing the autumn festivities admit it, you all bought more than enough sweets for the trick or treaters, so you could enjoy the sugar rush too. And now it’s bonfire night with all the magic and sparkle that lights up the sky.

Then before we know it Christmas will be upon us, so to help you all be prepared we’ve already started taking a little look

at some of the excitement on offer for the season. Just take a peek, you know you love Christmas...

The colder days are also a good excuse to make sure we eat well, fuelling our bodies for the battle against the wind and rain, and where better to do so than in a fabulous restaurant?

With this in mind this month we speak to celebrity chef Richard Phillips about his rise from Kent boy to national star of the kitchen and highlight some of the great eateries he’s responsible for. Whether you cook yourself or simply enjoy the fruits of other people’s labours, it’s hard not to find his achievements truly impressive.

Indeed, the county’s been the home of so many talented individuals that we’re constantly amazed by the amazing lives people here have led.

So don’t hide under the duvet this autumn, read Richard’s story, enjoy some good food and maybe you’ll feel inspired to go out and live up to your amazing potential too.

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MMM Media Ltd White Cottage 13 Ashford Road Maidstone ME14 5DA Tel: 01622 299035 editorial@mmm-media.com sales@mmm-media.com mmm-media.com Publisher Rasa Dregva Editor Tom White

Travel Editor Tricia Lester

Production Michael Pilcher

Design Maggie Ashton Oliver Theobald Sales Emma Hunton Accounts Kerry Head

Photography Gediminas Zilinskas Thomas Richards

Further contribution Evelina Webster

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11 Richard Phillips

The celebrity chef has gone from local college boy to national personality, we catch up with him as he celebrates his Michelin star.

19 Fashion

As party season takes hold we help you find the perfect dress for any festive occasion. With these gorgeous colours you’re sure to be the light of the party.

28 Entertainment

He’s behind you!

Join the seasonal fun with our

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selection of pantomimes from across the county and spot a few celebrities while you’re there.

31 Travel

This month we’re being tempted by Sri Lanka and Australia, we’re sure you will be too when you look at these two stunning destinations.

37 Food

As the nights draw in we need all the energy we can get to keep ourselves happy in the cold - these

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delicious dishes are sure to help fuel you through the winter blues.

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46 History

The most explosive reason that there shouldn’t be a new airport built in the Thames Estuary - the SS Richard Montgomery.

53 Homes

76 Business

From a property that’s the star of a hit television show, to some lavish ways to refurnish your home, we’ve got some great ideas to ensure home is where your heart is.

Movers and shakers that are ensuring our county continues to be a success.

Drive away in some hot new wheels to put a smile on your face.

It’s not too late to pick out some great new gadgets to add to your Christmas list.

68 Motors

80 Technology

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. © MMM Media Ltd 2012

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Look who’s cooking

I

A regular on television, Rainham-born Richard Phillips has not let fame take him far from his roots as he’s firmly grabbed hold of success and ensured his name is firmly linked with the fine dining experience in Kent, as has been proved with his successfully reclaiming a Michelin star.

N the last week of September, restaurant owner and celebrity chef Richard Phillips' mobile phone started ringing.

On the other end of the line was the head chef of his restaurant in Tunbridge Wells.

The rumour mill, he told his boss, was that something big was coming.

The Michelin Guide has long been the food industry Bible – a guide to the hottest and most importantly, best restaurants. The Red Guide awards its highest accolade – the prestigious Michelin Star, fought over by the great and the good and capable of making a reputation.

If the wagging tongues were to

be believed Phillips' Thackeray's restaurant was back in style – with a star returning to its menu.

The only problem was that the Michelin Guide for 2013 was not due to be released for a further week.

“It was really strange,” the top chef, turned businessman, admits, “I went online and there were lots of comments on Twitter congratulating us and lots of information about who else was on the list.

“To be honest, I didn't know what to think. I told our head chef not to believe anything until it was confirmed.”

What Richard Phillips didn't know

at that point was that, according to Michelin, a mistake on the French side of the operation had seen details of the main winners accidentally posted live on its official website. Only after it had been on show for all to see for more than an hour, was it hastily removed.

With some of the industry's most senior figures – including the likes of major food critic Jay Rayner – spreading the information, Michelin were forced to admit it had made a mistake and that, yes, all the details were correct but shouldn't have gone live for another week.

“I don't know if Michelin meant to do it or not,” admits the famous chef, “whether it was just a ploy a

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a to whip up some interest, but it was a strange way to find out.”

For Phillips it was a stamp of approval for his efforts in the county since he first moved out of London, and a stellar career, to take over the restaurant.

He had arrived in some style. Having opened at the former home of the 19th century novelist and poet William Makepeace Thackeray, overlooking the spa town's Common, he won a Michelin Star within the first year – a rare achievement in the fiercely competitive culinary world.

Richard went on to secure a host of awards and - coupled with regular appearances on daytime TV, such as hits like Ready, Steady, Cook and Lorraine - his reputation spilled out of the city and into the Garden of England.

Today, he runs Thackeray's, The Hengist in Aylesford, The Windmill in Hollingbourne and Pearson's in Whitstable – an empire upon which his reputation hangs heavy.

Not that he is any stranger to the cut-throat world of hospitality, having trained alongside the very best and successfully making his name working alongside some household names.

Born and raised in Rainham (“I'm a Medway boy,” he smiles), he trained at Thanet College in its highly respected catering centre for two years from the age of 16.

“I think like every youngster of that age, my main focus was football and women,” he reflects, “and I think I probably thought about pursuing sport. But when I was 14 I watched a programme called In At The Deep End. The presenter had to work at a top London restaurant with Michel Roux Snr and then in a London pub. I just loved the passion and enthusiasm that was displayed and it stayed with me.”

He would go on to start his professional career at London's plush Savoy Hotel before going on to work alongside the likes of the Roux Brothers at Le Gavroche and then becoming head chef for Marco Pierre White - star of ITV's Hells Kitchen - at The Criterion, Mirabelle and Les Saveurs.

It is little surprise that when he opted to go it alone he had secured his first Michelin Star by the age of 29.

Thackeray's kept the star for three a

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a years before it slipped from its grasp – only to be regained again for 2013.

“It's funny, but Michelin keep themselves very much to themselves,” he reveals. “They used to dine at a restaurant and then after paying reveal who they were. But now you have no idea.

It could be one person, could be six. But it's good. It keeps you on your toes.

“You have to be on the very top of your game all the time. And that's what we seek to achieve at all times anyway.

“The bottom line is that people can spend a lot of money on a meal out and they work hard for that money, so they want something special in return.

“It's all about the experience.

Not so long ago you'd go for a meal in London and then go to the cinema or the theatre.

“Today you go for a meal and you expect to be there for the evening. That means everything has to be right – from the food to the service to the atmosphere.

“I want everything to be perfect.

I want the candles in the right place, the music at the correct volume, I need to know everything is as good as we can make it; that's the aim.

“All the time there is air in my lungs I will keep fighting hard to do the best we possibly can.

But we don't cook for guide books, we look to keep our customers happy.

“Will the star generate a lot of extra business? In this climate we'll have to see, but certainly it helps.”

It will come as little surprise that a leading chef has a ruthless streak in him too as a businessman.

One of the few hiccups since he came to Kent was the closure of Richard Phillips at Chapel Down – his restaurant sat in the vineyard in Tenterden.

After much trumpeting it came unstuck after it lost its licence to a

As well as the Michelin star-rated Thackeray’s, Richard Phillips’ other restaurants include Pearson’s in Whitstable, main picture and centre, Hengist in Aylesford, top, and The Windmill at Hollingbourne, pictured bottom

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a stage weddings. Neighbours of the rural venue had complained about the volume of music outside the restaurant. It also blew a huge hole in its financial planning.

Without wedding bookings during the summer months, it proved difficult for the restaurant to survive during the leaner winter months – particularly during the harsh winters which had made reaching the venue difficult when the snow and ice came.

“If we could keep doing weddings the restaurant would still be up and running today,” reflects Richard.

“It was a great venue and we got on really well with Chapel Down, but in the end we had no choice.

“You have to take the emotion out of the equation. It was the first time we had to close a restaurant and hopefully it will be the last.”

Thackeray's too, has not been without a few financial stumbles

along the way. Just a year ago it had to reach a deal with creditors (what's known as a Company Voluntary Agreement – or CVA) after admitting the squeeze on spending was hitting its bottom line hard. Its re-emergence as one of just a handful of Kent restaurants with a Michelin Star is a remarkable turn around.

Not that Richard has lost any of his enthusiasm for the industry.

“I thrive off the pressure. I could move upstairs and not be as hands on as I am but I know things would dwindle and all the time my name is above the restaurants I have to be able to walk in and ensure things are done the right way.

“I don't spend as much time in the kitchen as I'd like to. I am in the kitchens of one of our restaurants every day. But I've got a great team around me.

“I may not always be in the whites ready to cook, but I'm overseeing

everything. I write the menus for all sites, and myself and the executive chef will work together to ensure it is exactly how I want it.

“I think customers know I am immensely passionate about everything I do.

“I think the staff know I am immensely passionate and always striving for the best. I'd say I was firm but fair to those who work with me, and I always give my all.

I've done everything at every level, so I would never expect anything from others that I was not prepared to do myself.”

It is a wonder the talented chef has time for much else in his life, but he is also devoted to his four-year-old twins, with whom he shares his life, along with his wife, at his home near Leeds Castle.

Richard Phillips' name shows no signs of leaving the menu of Kent's leading restaurants any time soon. mmm

Maidstone’s independent shopping centre

Shopping

A unique mix of time honoured family emporiums and modern designer shopping

With Christmas fast

approaching here at

The Royal Star, you will find that perfect gift, whether it is jewellery, gifts for the Home, for Him or Her

We have Kilburn Jewellers a family run business, who stock a wide range of Jewellery and gifts. They also offer the service of creating bespoke jewellery making sure the design is a perfect piece and ensure the customer of owning an exclusive hand made piece of jewellery.

Need that special outfit for the little one this Christmas then Little Stars children’s shop will dress your child in style.

Bumbles sweet shop, who can offer you Homemade Belgium Chocolates, Chocolate shoes and so much more and so unique.

Gentlemen look no further with a choice from Roy Robson who stock Highest Quality Men's Tailoring and Fashion Clothing and Raffles Collezioni menswear.

Lazy Days Living are now stocking pieces by Sia and great gifts for the Home and Garden.

Need that special gift or present to yourself then tale a look at Kingsbridge Studios where you will be blown away by the Sound and Vision choices for your home.

Need that special treatment for the Party nights ahead then look no further than Blake’s hairdressing and beauty All done under a tranquil setting with many other shops to browse round and enjoy.

After you have browsed around all the shops then why not relax in our Coffee Shop or Wine Bar. A unique mix of time honoured family emporiums and modern designer shopping.

Pop down on Novenber 17th where we will be holding a Christmas Craft Fayre where you can pick up some unique gifts.

Santa arrives on November 24th with his Reindeers, and will open his Grotto, where all proceeds will be going to the Charity Chyps, there will also be live Music and entertainment throughout the day.

And why not book your Childs place with Santa for lunch on selected dates throughout December – see website for details of this and all events and promotions throughout December.

Royal Star Arcade High Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1JL 01622 690395

www.royalstararcade.co.uk

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n Dress to impress this party season

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It’s panto time

F

ROM chart stars to soap sensations, some of the biggest names in the business will be spending Christmas in Kent this year as pantomime season approaches.

As theatres brace themselves for choruses of “it's behind you” families are already snapping up their tickets for what is traditionally the highlight of the year.

It may not be quite what Shakespearian actors have in mind when it comes to live theatre, but only the most Scrooge-like character can deny the energy and enthusiasm of a

panto is not, for many, an essential part of their festive season.

So just who can you expect to see treading the boards near you this season?

We take a look at some of the main theatres, and the performances they’ve lined up.

Cinderella, The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Having celebrated one year since its grand re-opening after a multi-million pound rebuild, the Marlowe is one of the panto world's big hitters. And this year looks like being no exception.

The main draw is Gareth Gates – the Pop Idol runner-up turned chart sensation.

Lining up alongside him will be 80s sensation Toyah Willcox, Katrina Bryan of Cbeebies' Nina and the Neurons, and West End star Faye Brookes. Last year's panto pulled in 83,000 people – so expect tickets to fly from the box office.

Dates: November 30-January 20 Tickets: From £13-£30

Aladdin, The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

As fun as it is rooting for the good guy, nothing quite beats jeering the baddie. And what better villain could a theatre have than one of soap land's finest?

For years now Steve McFadden has become synonymous with EastEnders' bad guy Phil Mitchell – but this festive season he will be the wicked Abanazar at the Orchard instead.

Last year's Orchard production, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs proved so popular the run had to be extended to meet demand. With McFadden treading the boards this year, expect another big hit.

Dates: December 8-January 6 Tickets: From £19.50-£27.50

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells Tunbridge Wells has created a rather compelling Christmas proposition in recent years. With an ice rink just down the road, the theatre offers a chance to round off a day in style with its 2012 panto.

This year's big name is Janine Duvitski – star of ITV's Benidorm and the classic BBC drama Abigail's Party. She'll be joined

by Mr Stephen from the Basil Brush Show aka Chris Pizzey, EastEnders' Mr Lister, Nick

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Wilton, and CITV's Jenny Jones.

Dates: December 14-January 6 Prices: From £15 to £22

Aladdin, Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks More used to playing to sell-out arenas as part of chart topping band Boyzone, Shane Lynch will be swapping cheers for jeers as villain Abanazar in the Stag's production of Aladdin.

The Stag has created a reputation for big name productions in recent years and 2012 will be no different.

Alongside Lynch will be the Olivier Award-nominated actor Tony Haygarth, whose role call includes everything from the Tempest at the National Theatre to ITV soap Emmerdale.

Andrew Stone, dance instructor at the famous Pineapple Dance Studios, will also be part of the line-up.

Due to public demand, this year's show has already been extended for an extra week.

Dates: December 8-January 6 Tickets: From £15-£17

Cinderella, Central Theatre, Chatham Polish off those glass slippers and get ready to have a ball at Chatham's Central Theatre this yuletide, as Cinderella gets the panto treatment.

Fresh from Celebrity Big Brother, ex-East Enders Cheryl Fergison is the Fairy Godmother, while local boy done good, Paul Burling from Britain's Got Talent is Buttons.

Brought to you by the same production team behind the Marlowe Theatre's show, the

audience can expect all the songs and laughs to entertain the whole family.

Dates: December 13January 6 Tickets: From £15

Cinderella, Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone The county town's panto follows in the footsteps of so many others this year by staging Cinderella at the Hazlitt as it looks to pack in the audiences with a blend of song, dance and laughter.

Chloe Madeley stars, perhaps most famous for being the daughter of presenting duo Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, she has made a name for herself as a TV presenter and model.

She also proved she has a knack of adding glitz and glamour to winter past-times by reaching the final of ITV's Dancing on Ice show. She will take the lead role as Cinders, while CITV Hi5 star Chris Edgerley is Buttons and Coronation Street's Danny Young joins them as Dandini.

Dates: December 8-January 13 Tickets: From £13.50

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mmm travel

n Go down under with our fabulous selection of tours n Explore Sri Lanka from a different perspective Sponsored by

To promote your business call 01622 299035 or e-mail sales@mmm-media.com

Kirsty Keeling-Jones, Branch Manager, Baldwins Travel Agency, Maidstone 01622 762141

Travel tips from your Local Award Winning Travel Agency

Flying can (and will) take a toll on even the best cared for of complexions. Take the stress of air travel coupled with altitude and recycled air in a confined space and you've got the makings for potential skin problems.

Here are 7 tips on how to keep your skin looking refreshed and fabulous, whether you're 36,000 feet in the air or time zones away from home.

n Makeup - Avoid mascara on long-haul or overnight flights. n Pucker - To avoid dry, cracked lips keep your pout soft by frequently applying lip balm. I'm not a slave to any particular brand as long as it has SPF for once I'm on the ground. If my lips are really dehydrated, I'll resort to Vaseline, which doubles as a heavy-duty moisturizer for knees, elbows and cuticles. n Moisturize - Travellers should apply a moisturiser before taking off. n Eat - While peanuts and pretzels may look delicious, salt can cause swelling Instead, drink your water while in flight to stay hydrated and snack on raw fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples, which are filled with water and cell strengthening nutrients. n Stretch - Keep moving. Exercise stimulates blood flow which will help increase circulation to help maintain health of skin. Some ideas for in-flight moves: Ankle rotations keep the blood flowing in your legs. Flexing your feet stretches your calf muscles. n Hydrate Stay hydrated. To calculate the correct amount of water to drink per day, take your body weight in pounds and divide by 2. For example, a 140 pound woman should drink 70 oz. of water per day. n Peepers Do you get puffy eyes at the first sign of stress - or a minute less than eight solid hours of sleep? When home, cucumber slices or chilled green tea bags, does the trick for tired eyes. But when in the air, one swipe of an Eye Serum around each eye keeps the jetlag away.

A

Iconic

USTRALIA is a key destination within the JOD portfolio and we have been featuring tours here for over 30 years.

The appeal of Australia is broad, from bustling cities, iconic monuments and beautiful landscapes. On a JOD tour we get under the skin of the country connecting customers to the culture and customs, which included sightseeing, as well as plenty of free time to explore independently.

This superb tour showcases the beauty of the contrasting regions taking in cosmopolitan Melbourne which included tours to

Captain Cook’s cottage, the Old Melbourne Gaol and Fitzroy Gardens.

There’s chance to see one of the world’s most spectacular coastal routes – the Great Ocean road before flying directly to Alice Springs – Australia’s Red Centre. Here you’ll witness the incredible Uluru or Ayers Rock, which has deep cultural significance to the Aboriginal people.

A particularly stunning vision at sunset as you’ll witness the dramatic changing colours of the rock! The tour continues to Cairns in the Northern Territory; gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. An included catamaran trip means you’ll learn about marine life from

Australia the on-board naturist, and there’s a chance to enter the water and experience the incredible underwater world that’s a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance.

There’s free time included in Cairns to explore further with the option to journey the scenic railway to Kuranda and the skyrail rainforest canopy and the World Heritage Cape Tribulation.

Finally the journey ends in vibrant Sydney, home to Bondi Beach, the incredible Opera House and the iconic Harbour Bridge, where you’ll enjoy a comprehensive guided tour.

Enjoy shopping or dining at the city’s famous ‘Rocks’ and immerse yourself in the Aussie way of life. mmm

16-day Enlightened Tour City tours of Melbourne, Alice Springs, Cairns and Sydney Sunrise over Ayers Rock Old Telegraph station historic reserve and the Flying Doctor’s in the Red Centre Catamaran sailing on the Great Barrier Reef 26 January 2013 £3,345 SAVE £250pp 02 March 2013 £3,325 SAVE £250pp

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Simply A

RELATIVELY new addition to the JOD portfolio, Sri Lanka’s unique appeal, interesting culture and beautiful beaches have proved a popular choice for our customers.

Simply Sri Lanka showcases the very best of this beautiful land from lush countryside, indigenous wildlife, incredible national parks and age old traditions.

Starting in the Capital Colombo you’ll drive through incredible scenery towards Galle, where a city tour includes the Old Dutch fort and the Turtle Hatchery.

The Yala National park is home to wild elephants, leopard, sloth bears and a variety of indigenous birdlife and a luxury jeep safari offers the opportunity to see these up close. Heading further inland to the tea plantations, the tourvisits Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque town where there’s chance to picnic

Sri Lanka overlooking the breath-taking sheer precipice of ‘world’s end’.

A first Class rail journey to Kandy reveals rolling green hills, waterfalls, tea plantations and lush countryside scenery.

You’ll enjoy a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy; a 17th century temple which houses what is believed to be the tooth of the Lord Buddha.

Cultural fascination continues in Dambulla with a visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another jeep safari, this time in Minneriya National Park, which brings you close to the country’s largest population of elephants.

The tour includes a visit to the famous visits Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque town where there’s chance to picnic overlooking

the breath-taking sheer precipice of ‘world’s end’.

A first class rail journey to Kandy reveals rolling green hills, waterfalls, tea plantations and lush countryside scenery.

You’ll enjoy a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy; a 17th century temple which houses what is believed to be the tooth of the Lord Buddha.

Cultural fascination continues in Dambulla with a visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another jeep safari, this time in Minneriya National Park which brings you close to the country’s largest population of elephants.

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The tour includes a visit to the famous Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, which has successfully bred over 25 babies. There’s time to relax and take in the incredible surroundings and there’s the option to extend to one of the beautiful indulgent beach resorts on the Sri Lankan coast after the tour has ended. mmm

13-DAY ENLIGHTENED TOUR Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and spectacular scenery will fascinate and captivate as you travel from bustling city to ancient relic to mountain valley.

Old Dutch fort Turtle hatchery in Galle Jeep safari in Yala National Park Elephant orphanage in Pinnawela First class train travel between Nuwara Eliya and Kandy 01 February 2013 15 March 2013

£1,695 £1,745

SAVE £100pp SAVE £100pp

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mmm food

n Take a peek at some of the best destinations to eat in the area n A selection of recipes to keep you well nourished through the winter months

To promote your business call 01622 299035 or e-mail sales@mmm-media.com

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FOOD mmm chosen recipes from your local restaurants Buenos Aires Patagonian Lamb Recipe: 4 lamb shanks 1 carrot (peeled and cut into chunks) 1 onion (peeled and cut into chunks) 1 bottle of Malbec red wine (Malbec is the signature wine of Argentina and has made a new name for itself with red wine lovers) 3 sticks celery (peeled and cut into chunks) 250g salted butter 20g of fresh Rosemary For the mashed potatoes: 2 lb potatoes 100g salted butter 150ml full fat milk 3 sprigs of fresh thyme Salt and white pepper to taste Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) degrees.

Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper.

In a large frying pan brown the lamb shanks on all sides in the butter.

Wrap a roasting pan tightly

with a layer of aluminium foil and place the shanks, carrots, onion and celery, pour over the wine and roast for 3 hours or until the meat starts to fall off the bone.

Remove the dish from the oven, take the lamb shanks out of the cooking liquid and place in a roasting dish.

Strain the remaining liquid into a small saucepan and on a low heat reduce by half its volume add 100g butter and stir until melted.

Meanwhile, prepare the mash.

Separate head of garlic into individual cloves.

Toss in olive oil and wrap tightly in small piece of aluminum foil.

Bake in oven for 45 minutes.

When the garlic has cooled to the touch you should be able to squeeze it out of the 'paper'

shell of the individual cloves.

Mash the roasted garlic with a fork, or force through a fine strainer.

Peel the potatoes and cut into quarters. Cook in a large saucepan with plenty of salted boiling water until tender. Once ready, drain well and allow to slightly cool.

Press the potatoes through a ricer back into the saucepan, add in the milk and take back to a slow heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon for 3 minutes. Add in the butter, thyme and the roasted garlic and continue to stir for a further 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve a generous spoonful of the mashed potatoes in the middle of a serving plate, place the lamb shank on top and drizzle with the delicious sauce.

Decorate with a sprig of fresh thyme and Rosemary serve immediately.

Recipe by Buenos Aires in Maidstone

Pheasant Brest with Bread Sauce Recipe: 2 pheasant breasts per person.

Bread sauce: ½ loaf white bread 1 shallot 1 bay leaf 3 cloves 500ml milk Preparation method: Infuse milk with cloves, shallot and bay leaf for 15mins then strain. Remove the crust from

bread and place it in a blender. Add milk and blend until smooth.

Place pheasant breasts in a hot pan until both sides are golden brown then place in the oven at 180˚ for 5 minutes.

Let it rest for 8 minutes, slice and serve with hot bread sauce and watercress.

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Lemon Tart Ingredients 500g butter 500g sugar 500g ground almonds 60g flour 8 eggs 10 lemon zest 5 juice First in a mixer cream the soft butter with the sugar, once combined add the eggs one at a time.

Once all the egg is combined add the almonds and the flour and bring together, then add the lemon zest and juice.

Bake at 180c in a tray lined with baking parchment for approximately 15 minutes or until golden and cooked.

Once cooked allow to cool and refrigerate (it is easier to cut when cold but must be served at room temperature or just warm).

Clotted cream mousse 500g clotted cream 100g creme fraiche 100g icing sugar 1 vanilla pod

Whip all ingredients to a mousse like consistency, place in a piping bag and chill.

Ginger sorbet 1litre water 500g sugar 6 pieces of stem ginger 1 lemon cut in half Boil all ingredients and then allow to cool and infuse, the Menu by The Swan, Enghlish Restaurant longer the better, at Chapel Down Winery remove the lemon and liquidise the Place all ingredients in a bowl rest of the contents of the pan over a Bain Marie and cook, pass through a sieve and whisking until thickened, pass churn in an ice cream maker, through a sieve and chill. once churned place in a To assemble the dessert container in the freezer.

Place a little of the lemon Lemon curd curd on a plate then add the 2 eggs lemon tart, pipe the mousse on 25g butter top of the tart, and serve the 50g sugar sorbet next to the tart.

Zest and juice of 3 lemons

Cocktail of the month: Vanilla Apple Sour

parts water 1 part white sugar.

Gently heat it whist stirring and add 1 vanilla pod per half litter syrup.

You can use 他 drops of vanilla extract instead of vanilla pods.

Method: Shake well all ingredients for 2 minutes and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

Garnish: apple fan

Recipe: Glass: rocks glass Ingredients: 25ml Absolut citrus vodka.

25ml Absolut vodka 50ml Cloudy apple juice 25ml Lemon juice 20ml Vanilla sugar syrup 5ml egg white Preparation: To make vanilla syrup use 2

Recipe by The Swan in West Malling

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FOOD mmm chosen recipes from your local restaurants Ham Hock Ballotine 6 x ham hock knuckles 6 x large carrots 2 tsp whole grain mustard 100g honey ½ bunch parsley 1l chicken stock 3 leaves gelatine

2. Allow to cool then separate the meat from bones, skin and gristle.

3. Pick in to small strands 4. Fine dice the carrot 5. Finely chop the parsley 6. Soak the gelatine in cold water 7. Reduce the chicken stock by half then add the carrot until cooked 8. Add the parsley and alow to wilt for a moment 9. Melt the gelatine in the stock then add to the ham 10. Gently mix in the mustard, honey and season to taste

1. Slow cook the ham hocks for 4 hours with 1 leek, 1 large onion, 2 carrots, ½ bunch of sage, 1 bulb of garlic Recipe by Beeches Restaurant in Mereworth

! ns io r d at fo rio rv en pe se ak s Re w t tma no hris eC

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11. Roll the ham tightly in cling film and allow to cool in a fridge hanging freely so not to change the shape.

The See Ho Christmas Menu

We are open until 22nd December and re-open on the 28th We will be closed on 1st, 2nd and 3rd January 2013

T: 01732 870 000 www.pad-thai.co.uk manta@pad-thai.co.uk 15 HIGH STREET, WEST MALLING, KENT ME19 6QH

3 courses with coffee and mint £16.95 Senior citizens £14.95

Book to avoid disappointment

Tel: 01474 822386 Peartree Lane, Shorne DA12 3JX

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The Vineyard is a French restaurant, offering an extensive selection of exquisite seafood and French and Italian A la Carte Cuisine, served in a contemporary fashion by our award winning chef.

There is a great selection of wines from across the world.

Christmas Menu Now Available

Lunch £23.95 (Mon-Sat) Dinner £27.95 (Sun-Thur) Friday Dinner £29.95 Saturday evening A la Carte menu only See our webside for menus

Traditional Sunday Lunch available until 6pm (Al la Carte menu always available) 3 courses £19.95 adults £12.95 children under 12

• Air-conditioning • Ample parking • Now open all day Tuesday-Sunday

A20 London Road Wrotham Heath TN15 7RU Tel: 01732 882330 W: thevineyardrestaurant.co.uk E: dine@thevineyardrestaurant.co.uk

Wine bar serving English modern cuisine in our downstairs restaurant Food served all day 11.30am-9.30pm (last orders) USING LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS Available for Weddings, Birthdays and Special Occasions

NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS

Festive Menu (Bookings only) starting on the 4th December Lunchtime £22.50 per head Monday-Thursday Evenings £25.90 pp Friday-Saturday Evenings £28.90 pp Christmas Day Lunchtime - £68 pp Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 11am - Late u Sunday 12 noon - 10pm Sunday Lunch served 12 - 8pm NO CHILDREN UNDER 7 AFTER 6PM

Bridges The Broadway, Maidstone Kent ME16 8PB 01622 753700 - 01622 751738 www.bridgesmaidstone.co.uk

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mmm Maidstone, Medway Magazine

Do you have any recipes to share with our readers?

Write to us at MMM Media Ltd, White Cottage, 13 Ashford Road, Maidstone, ME14 5DA, e-mail studio@mmm-media.com or call us on 01622 299035.

THE OLD RECTORY

Christmas Party FANCY DRESS Optional

Including a Buffet and DJ Saturday, 15th December 7.30pm to 11.30pm ONLY ÂŁ18 Per Person How to get tickets:

The Old Rectory Farleigh Lane Maidstone ME16 9LX 01622 727779

We look forward to seeing you!

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Shipwreck threatens airport

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I

T sounds like a rather far-fetched film script – a shipwreck of a boat loaded with tonnes of high explosives lying just off the coast, packing the power, if detonated, to spark a tidal wave and smash every window of homes and buildings for miles around.

It would sound even more ridiculous if a twist in the storyline was that a huge multi-billion pound airport was to be built next to it – a move which would threaten the integrity of the hull during construction and always present a potential risk to any aircraft overshooting the runway and some how triggering an explosion of catastrophic proportions.

It probably wouldn't even get a second reading.

Yet, fact is so often stranger that fiction – and the very situation outlined above is not just the result of a writer with an overactive imagination – but a very real situation tens of thousands of people in Kent live with each and every day.

This is the remarkable story of the SS Richard Montgomery – an American Liberty ship built during World War II, which ran into difficulty off the coast of Sheppey in 1944 and for almost 70 years has sat, its

masts still visible, in the mouth of the Thames Estuary.

The 7,146-ton ship had been built in 1943 by the St John's River Shipbuilding Company of Jacksonville in Florida – one of more than 2,700 mass-produced vessels built to carry vital supplies to help the war effort.

In the summer of 1944, the ship was loaded up with a cargo of some 7,000 tons of munitions – bombs primarily, including nearly 300 of the so-called 'blockbuster' bombs – so-called because each 2,000lb device was capable of demolishing a block of buildings in bombing raids on cities.

In addition the Montgomery was loaded up with nearly 4,500 1,000lb bombs and thousands of fragmentation devices, explosive booster charges, smoke bombs and pyrotechnic signals.

In short, it was rammed with explosives with enough fire power to flatten most of Kent were they to be unleashed from the skies.

In August of 1944 it joined a convoy to the UK which would then move on to Cherbourg on the north France coast.

When the vessel reached UK shores it was directed to anchor just off Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey while the rest of the

convoy joined it.

However, on August 20 it moved for the final time; running aground on a sandbank some 250-metres north of the Medway Approach Channel in the estuary.

Realising her predicament, orders were given to try and unload the vessel's cargo in a bid to allow her to be refloated. Her cargo's value was high too – the explosives she carried was essential to the Allies war effort.

But the following day a crack appeared in the hull and began to flood.

Work continued to save as much of the fire-power as possible – for almost a month they battled to off-load its cargo, rescuing around half by the time the vessel was completely flooded and became lost to the seas.

There remains, however, some 1,400 tons of explosives onboard.

It's story is well known to many in the area – to those who learn of it for the first time, it always prompts the same response - “can't they just send the divers in to sort it out”.

The answer is that were it that simple it would have been done many decades ago.

The wreck has remained untouched primarily due to the enormous expense of any [

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rescue attempt. And as the years have passed the cost of safely disarming the site sees the price rise higher as the infrastructure of the wreck continues to be weakened by erosion.

It is under 24-hour, seven-days-aweek surveillance – and an exclusion zone is in place. Although that is nothing to the apparent 30-mile exclusion zone which would have to be in place should any efforts be made to clear the cargo.

Explains a spokesman for the Maritime and Coastal Agency, the Government department responsible for overseeing the site: “Whilst the risk of a major explosion is believed to be remote, it is considered prudent to monitor the condition of the wreck.

“We carry out surveys on a regular basis to ensure that any changes to the wreck, or its immediate environment, are discovered quickly.

Although it is clear from the results of these surveys that the hull is subject to prevailing environmental conditions and is showing some evidence of deterioration, over the past ten years there has been little change and the wreck is considered to be in a stable condition.

“Some remedial work to trim the rigging from the masts above the water line was undertaken in October 1999 with the aim of reducing stress levels on the masts and derricks.”

But despite the reassurances, critics remain anxious – and have frequently pointed to the inherent dangers of such a ticking time-bomb on the surrounding area.

And those fears have got louder

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since plans for an ambitious multi-billion pound Thames Estuary airport were put forward, first by Boris Johnson, and subsequently gained support from other key political figures.

While many suggest an airport could be built off the Hoo peninsula without any need to disturb the Montgomery, many point to the potential of any plane overshooting the runway and sparking a chain reaction which sets off the sunken munitions.

Conservative estimates suggest such an incident would send a tsunami wave of several feet high in all directions – potentially flooding low-lying land in Kent and Essex and hurtling down the Thames towards London.

In addition, it is thought every window of every building in Sheerness would be blown out, as well as potentially damaging buildings. The loss of life is a real one, as a result.

Nigel Farage is leader of the UK Independence Party. Living in Westerham he is well aware of the

dangers which lie at sea.

“Boris Island is simply insane. It is also inordinately expensive, dwarfing the estimated costs of upgrading Manston and this is without dealing with the question of the SS Richard Montgomery.

“Perhaps it’s me being picky, but I wouldn’t like to travel from an airport, let alone work there, which is in the vicinity of a deadly sunken ship from World War Two. An investigation in 2004 concluded that a collision, an attack or even the shifting of the cargo of high explosives in the tide could cause detonation, resulting in a 16ft tidal wave, wiping out Southend and breaking every window in Sheerness.”

Julian Huppert is co-chair of the Liberal Democrats parliamentary party committee on transport.

After the latest report from the Maritime and Coastal Agency, he expressed serious concerns.

He said: “This report shows the ship’s slow deterioration is continuing with the lethal cargo still on board. Surely this must put an

end to the bonkers idea of building an airport in the Thames Estuary?

“Just last month the Royal Navy had to destroy a wartime mine found in the estuary because of the ‘significant risk to public safety’.

“If this cargo ship was disrupted by construction the explosion would be 2,000 times larger.

“The last time we tried to move a similar wreck it exploded. Without a credible plan to deal with this mess there’s no way Boris’ plans will ever get off the ground.”

At some stage, something is going to have to be done with the wreck.

Either as a result of decay of the boat on the shifting sands beneath the waves, or to remove the explosives so should the airport plans get the go-ahead the Montgomery will not cast its long shadow to international travellers and investors.

No-one could have imagined when it set sail from the coast of America to help the war effort all those years ago, the Montgomery would still be reating such headlines. mmm

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Open the door to the darling buds

B

Home to the popular 90s television series, Buss Farm is now up for sale

uss Farm in Bethersden is a charming four-bedroom Grade II-listed farmhouse with numerous outbuildings set in 20 acres down a long, private drive.

The setting for The Darling Buds of May, the farm is about a mile and a half away from the popular village of Bethersden with local amenities that include a 14th century village church, post office, shop, two village inns, The George and The Bull, hair salon, butchers, playground and a

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a popular tennis, football and cricket clubs. There is a village primary school as well as the nearby Friars Preparatory School in Great Chart. Pluckley mainline station is also 1.5 miles away with services up to London Bridge and Charing Cross - journey time approximately 65 minutes.

First time on the market for 40 years, Buss Farm is situated in the most “perfick� location in rural Kent.

Accompanied by 20 acres of land, the property offers plenty of scope to update and extend and there is also further development opportunity to convert the Kentish Oast house and Tudor barn subject to planning permission.

Access to Buss Farm is via an initial shared driveway leading to an electronically operated five bar gate providing entrance into a private drive. Beyond the farmhouse in the famous farmyard is the distinctive square Kentish Oast house, the Tudor barn stands in the paddock beyond a farm

gate adjacent to the orchard.

There are a number of other farm outbuildings providing facilities for garaging, storage, workshops or offices.

A pathway leads to the oak studded front door of the farmhouse.

Inside the home benefits from period features including an inglenook fireplace, Japanese oak flooring to the principal rooms and some oak beams. The door opens into a traditional brick floor hallway, leading to a fitted farmhouse kitchen where there is ample space for a table and chairs.

From the hallway there are doors leading to a study and the sitting room with a brick fireplace, housing a wood burning stove on a brick hearth. A gothic arched oak door leads to a utility area with shower room, toilet and a large office.

From the farmhouse kitchen an open tread staircase leads to the first floor accommodation comprising of three double bedrooms, a single bedroom

and family bathroom with Jacuzzi bath.

On the periphery of the farmyard which allows for ample parking, there are two further five bar gates giving access to some of the 20 acres of grassland and paddocks which surround the property with mature trees and hedging interspersed throughout. There are also six natural ponds with a small coppice area.

To the rear of the farmhouse there is a more private garden which is mainly laid to lawn with mature trees and shrubs and was where the Larkins were filmed enjoying their family meals.

There is a natural pond to the side and a bespoke greenhouse.

There are also a further 15 acres of land with two natural ponds available by separate negotiation.

Viewing is strictly by appointment with the sole selling agents Madeleine Rose, see the website at www.madeleine-rose.com or call 01622 84 44 55. mmm

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Water hyacinth rectangular baskets (set of 2) £45, Water hyacinth round baskets (set of 3) £35, Union jack

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Confused about market conditions and house prices?

I can offer you an honest, free, no obligation valuation

Bethersden/Pluckley - £1,350,000

‘Darling Buds of May’ – Farmhouse and unconverted Oast and Barn with 20 acres

First time on the market for 40 years, this memorable and interesting property was the filmset for the hugely popular series during the early 1990’s.

Situated in an idyllic rural location. As well as the house, historic buildings which are suitable for conversion, there are numerous other outbuildings and offices within the farmyard, in total over 8000sq ft. There is a further 15 acres available by separate negotiation – guide price £120,000.

Linton - £995,000

Detached 16th century Grade II listed farmhouse with 5 acres found along a quiet country lane

First time on the open market for 60 years. Stunning southerly views await at this charming 5/6 bedroom family home with a self-contained 1 bedroom annexe, perfect for guests or extended family. A wealth of original features with beams, inglenook fireplaces and a double chamber cellar. Triple stable block and fenced paddocks. Brick and stone coach house in need of renovation which could be suitable as a further annexe or holiday let.

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Contact our offices at Bower House, Sutton Valence

01622 844 455

View our extensive range of properties For Sale and To Let on our website

www.madeleine-rose.com

From valuation to completion, I provide a personal sales service enhanced by 20 years’ experience selling rural and village homes in the area

Sutton Valence, Chart Sutton, East Sutton, Boughton Monchelsea, East Farleigh, West Farleigh, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, Lenham Heath, Kingswood, Headcorn, Ulcombe, Langley, Leeds, Broomfield, Linton, Charing Heath, Grafty Green, Fairbourne, Otham, Pluckley, Egerton

Boughton Monchelsea - £499,950

Detached Ragstone Victorian family home located within the heart of this popular village

This property has been in the same ownership for some 30 years. There are 3 reception rooms, good size kitchen/breakfast room, sun room and a cellar currently used as a study/sewing room. The first floor provides a master bedroom with shower and w.c., a further double bedroom with Victorian fireplace, two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Further staircase leads to an attic bedroom with distant rear views. Double garage.

Sutton Valence - £385,000

Semi-detached 3 bedroom family home located within the village along the sought after Chart Road

This 1930s house is in immaculate order. The light and airy accommodation has the benefits of modern practicality with double glazing together with traditional period features including picture rails, open fireplaces and original doors. There is a very spacious kitchen/breakfast room with a vaulted ceiling and ample space for a table and chairs. The long rear garden has a summerhouse and adjoins open farmland. There is also a tandem garage.

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MOTORS

Jaguar

Jaw-dropping F-Type A LITTLE over 50 years since Jaguar shook things up with its legendary E-Type, it puts its foot down again with the F-Type – a jaw-dropper pulling up on forecourts near you next year.

Unveiled at a glitzy bash in the gardens of the Musee Rodin Museum in Paris at the end of September, the two-seater convertible promises “performance, agility and driver involvement” - and a motorist capable of shelling out £60,000 for the basic model and closer to six-figures for the all-singing V8 version.

Lurking under its streamlined hood will be Jaguar's new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine and a petrol-guzzling 5.0-litre supercharged V8.

The top of the range V8 S will whisk you from a standing start to 60mph in a mere 4.2 seconds and boast a top speed of 186mph.

Unsurprisingly, Jaguar is making much of its sports car heritage as it looks to start filling order books, which are now open, some six months before the first cars start hitting UK roads.

Adrian Hallmark, global brand director at Jaguar, said: “Jaguar is a founder member of the sports car segment with a rich sporting bloodline stretching over 75 years,

and in the F-Type we’ve reignited that flame. The F-Type isn’t designed to be like anyone else’s sports car. It’s a Jaguar sports car – ultra-precise, powerful, sensual and, most of all, it feels alive.”

The proof will, of course, be in the test-driving, but anticipation for a vehicle which Jaquar promises will feature the “most advance iteration of Jaguar's acclaimed rigid and lightweight aluminium architecture to date” is growing fast.

It may be well out of the financial reach of many, but for those with a penchant for the desirable, you can bet some sums are being carried out now along with justifications as to why they need it.

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Honda

Civic Type R HONDA has confirmed it intends to launch a Civic Wagon into the European market – and that there will be a new Civic Type R on its way too.

The new wagon may still be a few years off, however, with a concept model only to get an airing next year, while the Type R will be available in 2015.

While Honda are playing their specifications cards close to their chest, industry rumours suggest the Civic Wagon would have a similar engine line-up to the Civic hatchback. That means versions in a 1.4 and 1.8 petrol and there's

talk of a 1.6 diesel to go with a 2.2 diesel version.

Honda say the new Type R will be developed specifically for the European market and with the application of technologies developed through Honda’s participation in the World Touring Car Championships (WTCC).

It adds it intends to make the vehicle the fastest front-wheeldrive vehicle on the Nurburgring race course.

That's not all. Honda’s new 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine will be added to the recently launched European CR-V and introduced during 2013.

By the end of 2012, the 1.6 i-DTEC engine will be

available on Honda’s Civic model. It aims to deliver class-leading CO2 emissions of 94g/km.

This engine is the first from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series which will see Honda renew all existing engines in Europe over the next three years.

Already a high-profile pursuer of alternative fuels, in 2015, Honda will launch an all-new fuel cell electric model which will showcase the significant technological advancements and cost reductions that Honda has accomplished since the launch of the FCX Clarity in 2008. This model will be introduced to Japan, USA and Europe.

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MOTORS

Chevrolet

Trax for the UK WHILE Nissan revels in the success of the Juke – the Qashqai's upstart younger brother who is appealing to young and old alike – they will soon face some serious competition after Chevrolet announced plans to make Trax for the UK market.

Trax will be the small-scale SUV which aims to hit that market of folk keen for the higher drive and sturdy looks and will hit the UK in a choice of two trim levels and three engines.

Buyers will be able to snap up a 1.4-litre turbo, 1.6 petrol of 1.7 diesel with Chevrolet quick to

trumpet it as a “versatile yet fuelefficient small SUV”.

Andy Higgins, managing director of Chevrolet UK, explains: “Trax is poised to make a big difference in practicality and character of small SUVs on sale in the UK. It is a car designed to meet the needs of this growing market by delivering true SUV looks, practicality, safety and space, with car-like handling and all-wheel-drive."

Its manufacturers insist Trax will have sufficient space to accommodate five persons in a “comfortable high seating position. It will deliver car-like handling while also enabling off-road capability when needed”.

It will be available in two trim

levels: LS and LT. The LS trim level features 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, remote central locking, rear parking sensors, front fog lights and auto headlights together with Bluetooth compatibility.

The LT trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear parking camera, light-sensitive rear view mirror and leather steering wheel and gearknob, as well as the innovative Chevrolet Mylink system as standard – an infotainment system which works in tandem with smartphones to provide in-car navigation and entertainment.

Release date and pricing had yet to be confirmed at the time of going to press.

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Jazz singer and pianist Chiara Civello is the new ambassador of the Range Rover Evoque

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London Beach Golf Club Bulmers Competition Finals

From Left to right: Rob Sims & Shane Stolworthy (London Beach), Seb Wells (London Beach) & Dan Brown (Chart Hills),

T

HE London Beach Golf Club held the Final of it’s annual Bulmers Pairs Competition in the South West of France, at the Villeneuve Golf and Country Club from the 11th to the 15th September.

The eight finalists were joined by Mark Chilcott (Golf Professional) and Philip Bogdanovski (General Manager) from The London Beach Golf Club, who marshalled the semi-finals and final.

The players flew down to Toulouse airport on Tuesday the 11th September and drove to the Village de Loubas (www.loubas.com), a self-catering hamlet which is run by the owners of The London Beach Hotel, Golf Club & Spa. On the 12th September the players enjoyed a practice round of golf and tried to get acclimatised to the heat and dry conditions of the golf course.

On the 13th September the pairs lined up on the tee at Villeneuve Golf & Country Club for the draw.

The draw saw Glen Reed & Paul Bradley pitted against Dan Penfold Jnr & Jacob Penfold. This semi-final

Mark Chillcott (Professional LBGC), Glen Reed (Ashford GC) & Paul Bradley (Chart Hills), Dan Penfold Jnr & Jacob Penfold (London Beach)

was full of highs and lows as both pairs battled for a place in the final.

As they stood on the 18th hole the game was tied, eventually the Penfold brothers came through to win by the narrowest of margins, 1 up after 18 holes.

The other semi-final saw another hard-fought contest between Rob Sims & Shane Stolworthy, playing against Seb Wells and Dan Brown.

A spectacular 18 holes saw the pairs

produce an incredible 9 birdies for each side and with neither pair able to edge ahead in regulation, sudden death was required. The play off fared slightly better for the partnership of Wells and Brown, who managed to take the honors thanks to a birdie putt from Seb Wells.

The Final was set to be a great competition with the Penfold boys eager to show Seb Wells & Dan Brown a thing or two and with the temperature edging up to 90 degrees, it was going to be a scorcher.

However to everyone's amazement, after the first eight holes the Penfold boys were already six holes down!

The boys did not let this get to them and managed to win the next few holes to get to within 3, however Brown & Wells regrouped and mustered a final attack, eventually winning 4 up with 3 to play to become London Beach Bulmers Champions 2012.

Playing the Bulmers Championship Finals in France did not disappoint and the Village de Loubas was the perfect retreat during the heat of the final.

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BUSINESS

Gravesham Borough Council Doing Business in India India's thriving – and increasing – economy holds opportunities local businesses ought to seek to exploit.

That's the message from Gravesham Borough Council which is urging its firms to examine the opportunities it presents.

JJB Sports Shop closures

Sports retailer JJB Sports became the latest high profile victim of the recession in October when closed more than 130 shops and shed thousands of jobs across the country.

Among the shops closing for good in Kent were those in Maidstone, Gillingham and Canterbury.

Working in partnership with the UK India Business Council, the council ran a “Doing Business In India” workshop at the Civic Centre last month and attracted business of all shapes and sizes.

The event explained how to access Indian markets as well as providing an insight into Gravesham’s economic links with its twinned city of Jalandhar in the state of Punjab.

Delegates also heard direct experiences from UK

businesses that are already successfully trading in India.

Key business sectors in India include, advance engineering, construction, retail lifestyle and logistics, digital innovation, life sciences and healthcare and skills and education.

Council leader John Burden said: “This event supported our bid to put Gravesham on the international business map and help us encourage a new style of town twinning by developing business links with Jalandhar.”

Rival Sports Direct International snapped up 20 of its stores – including a branch in Dover – which saved, nationwide, a total of 550 jobs.

The collapse of the high street regular will surprise few. It had struggled recently and attempted a number of changes in a bid to reverse its fortunes in a demanding marketplace.

It eventually called in the administrators. Sports Direct also purchased the brand name and

website. Both have now been incorporated into the Sports Direct empire.

Richard Fleming, UK head of restructuring at KPMG, said: “Successive attempts to restructure the business, both financially and operationally, have not been enough to prevent the company falling into administration.

"All staff made redundant as a result of store closures have had their arrears of wages and holiday entitlements paid in full.”

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Taste of Kent Awards 2013 Voting

The county's pubs, restaurants, farmers' markets and retailers will learn which have won the support of the public as voting begins for the Taste of Kent Awards 2013.

Organised by local food and drink champions Produced in Kent, the awards recognise the most popular venues over the last year.

The public can vote up until January 2, 2013, and it is expected more than 10,000 votes will be cast.

Following the initial consumer vote, the three finalists in each category will go forward to be judged by mystery shoppers and diners and an expert judging panel.

Stephanie Durling of Produced in Kent said: “The awards are seen as a benchmark of food and drink excellence in our county. For the outstanding companies that win an award, it is an acknowledgement of their status as the county’s ‘food and drink heroes’ and a stamp of approval from Kent consumers.

“This is the general public’s

It marks a remarkable decline for the business.

Dave Whelan, owner of Premier League club Wigan Athletic, was its former owner. He'd founded the firm in 1971.

He said: “When I sold it five years ago just before that it was valued at a billion pounds.

"Now it's completely worthless and it's amazing how it's happened.”

golden opportunity to vote for the food and drink producers with that ‘X factor’. So no matter who tickles your taste buds, or floats your culinary boat, do make sure you add your votes for your favourite food and drink producers and the most outstanding dining pubs, restaurants and farmers’ markets in Kent.”

Two awards introduced last year, will return in 2013. The Kent Food, Farming and Landscape Award, which has small farm and large farm categories, is a stand-alone section giving farmers the opportunity to enter their farms and businesses directly into the competition on mail@kentdowns.org.uk.

And the Produced in Kent Special Award, designed to recognise the contribution of an individual or business to the food and drink industry, returns for a second year too.

The self-nominating awards will again give food and drink producers the opportunity to submit their products to an expert judging panel. See full details and an application form at www.tasteofkentawards.co.uk.

The winners will be announced at a glitzy award ceremony at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel in Hollingbourne on March 8, 2013.

The full list of categories are: Kent Butcher or Meat Producer of the Year, Best Kentish Beer, Best Kentish Wine, Best Kentish Cider or Perry, Best Kent Juice Producer, Kent Local Food Retailer of the Year, Kent Fishmonger of the Year, Best Kent Food Product of the Year, Kent Food Product Category Awards,Kent Artisan Food Producer of the Year, Kent Restaurant of the Year, Kent Dining Pub of the Year, Kent Farmers’ Market of the Year, Produced in Kent Award, Kent Downs and High Weald AONB Kent Food, Farming and Landscape Award.

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BUSINESS Kingsbridge Studios Ltd Shop opening

Kingsbridge Studios Ltd started as an online venture in 2009, opening their first showroom in Ashford in 2011.

The business specialises in preowned Bose and Bang and Olufsen products, but alongside these they also have many new and very unique items and can offer home installations for these audio and visual systems.

This year the company decided to make a move to Maidstone as a more dynamic and prosperous town with plenty of opportunity.

The Royal Star Arcade fitted the firm’s profile perfectly as it has such a lovely boutique feel.

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The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Rodd Nelson-Gracie, kindly agreed to open the shop, and plenty of family and friends were there as a show of support throughout the day.

As well as the ceremony of the day visitors were treated to lots of information, balloons and sweets.

Inside the shop there were demonstrations, with visitors who had smart phones encouraged to take part.

The added incentive of plenty of food and drink helped with this.

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Music to your ears

HIS is the time of year when parents with children in their last year of primary school are choosing which secondary school their child will attend from next September.

As a parent, choosing a secondary school for your child is probably one of the most important decisions you will make on their behalf. Your child's secondary education will provide the foundation for their future as adults. They will acquire the skills and knowledge and qualifications they will need to progress onto further education and fulfilling, rewarding careers. But how do you make that choice?

One Medway secondary school in particular is standing out - the Bishop of Rochester Academy, in Chatham. They’ve had a very encouraging report from OfSTED after the Inspectors visited the school last Spring, their GCSE results have more than doubled

since last year, there is a revamped curriculum from this term, and in a little over six months all their students and staff will be moving into a stunning £23 million new school building with state-of-the-art facilities, the latest technology, beautifully landscaped grounds and extensive playing fields for a whole range of sports. Its all very impressive!

The Bishop of Rochester Academy is a Mixed, Church of England Comprehensive school catering for 11-19 year old students of all ability ranges. The school is Medway’s ‘flagship’ Academy, and in addition to the Council, the Academy’s Sponsors are the Rochester Diocesan Board of Education and Canterbury Christ Church University.

All the Academy’s Sponsors and Governors are very actively supportive of the school. The Rt. Rev. James Langstaff, the Bishop of Rochester (and the Academy’s name-sake) recently visited the school to congratulate students and staff on their exam results this summer after the Academy reported that 99% of students had achieved 5+ A* - G GCSEs and 80% achieved 5+ A* - C grades at GCSE - which shows that the Academy is certainly holding its own with the other schools in Medway this year, and is set to improve on that still further.

The focus in on encouraging students to 'achieve beyond their expectations',

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and to aim for University.

Mr Colin Boxall, the Academy Principal only started full time at the school last Easter and has already introduced a new Leadership Team, employed a number of new specialist staff and is developing a vast range of new initiatives designed to improve studentperformance. Most notable so far are that students are now taught Latin and Philosophy, and the introduction of Grammar streams and ‘Music Scholarships’.

The Music Scholarships are not just for 11 year olds who already have a proven musical ability, but are open to any child who has an interest in music. The child just needs to provide the commitment, and will in return receive instrumental lessons and instrumentloan so they can practice at home which is all free of charge.

For futher information, telephone 01634 845196 or visit the Academy’s website: www.BoRAcademy.org

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GADGETS Apple iPhone 5

AFTER all the hype, Apple's iPhone 5 finally hit the shelves in September – and five million then flew off them within days.

The eagerly anticipated device was quickly mocked for Apple's decision to shrug off Google Maps and instead opt for his own version – which seemed to miss out towns, areas and make a slew of misinterpretations. Much to everyone's – bar Apple, of course – amusement.

But despite the easy criticism, the brighter screen, more powerful processor and general revamp which comes with IOS6, the iPhone 5 has been widely praised by critics and Apple fanatics alike.

It may not be quite as revolutionary as previous incarnations, but when its 4G capability can be exploited, you can bet it will have already a comfortable lead over its opposition.

Apple's crown – even now more than a year since the death of Steve Jobs – shows no signs of slipping.

TV

Let battle commence

FOR the movie fan, the end of 2012 promises a rather fascinating scrap for our money.

In one corner we have US giant Netflix, in another Amazon's Love Film – both of which have spent much of the year running advertising campaigns designed to get us to sign up.

We've featured the fight to the death the two firms are currently engaged in before.

But

But in recent months Sky have ushered their newcomer into the ring, with Now TV offering an alternative option.

It will be jeered by its rivals but probably cheered by all others.

For around £15 a month it promises access to the movie channel it normally only provides for its big premium monthly customers.

There's the Sky Movies channels plus a host of on-demand content too. It may be almost double the cost but it does deliver a star-studded offering.

Both Netflix and Love Film

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Sony

Smaller the better?

YOU can tend to tell when the major video console manufacturers are looking to flog the last life out of a machine when everything starts getting smaller and smaller.

And so along the very same route the PlayStation 2 travelled just a few years ago, the PlayStation 3 was given the slimline last month in a bid for it to have a revival over the all important Christmas sales period.

With Nintendo's new Wii U hitting the shelves in the UK this yuletide, the existing consoles know their time is now coming to an end.

So Sony has shrunk its machine by 20 per cent and made it 25 per cent lighter.

There's a decent 500GB model and a 12GB flash memory alternative. The bigger drive will be around £250, the flash memory version £175.

While

continue to be restricted by Sky's stranglehold on contracts with the major movie studios – the question is now how will Now TV fare in the market.

More interestingly – how will Sky market the platform given its potential to lure existing film subscribers to bail out of its premium TV package and opt for the movies-only streaming service.

there are few who will not already have a version of this gaming giant beneath their TV, this version may still pick off some stragglers, while also offering a less space-hogging alternative to those considering replacing their ageing device.

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mmm Maidstone, Medway Magazine 10

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Issue 10, November 2012 Complimentary

HISTORY

The wartime ship that may halt a controversial development

FOOD

Heat things up in the kitchen with our delicious recipes

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

Celebrity chef Richard Phillips is keeping is cool at the top

November 2012

n Property n Fashion n Travel n Entertainment n And much, much more